Nabarangpur: Due to a lack of awareness, traditional witchcraft-based treatment (Chenk treatment) continues in rural areas of Nabarangpur district. While the district administration claims to be taking steps to curb this practice, recent incidents suggest otherwise. In the past two days, two children who underwent Chenk treatment were admitted to the District Headquarters Hospital.
These cases highlight the failure to guide villagers toward proper medical treatment. Instead of taking children suffering from cold, cough, or stomach pain to hospitals, many villagers first approach local shamans (traditional healers). Last year, following multiple such incidents, the district administration launched an awareness program called “Jyoti” under then-Collector Rashmita Panda. While this initiative initially helped reduce the practice, its recent resurgence suggests a decline in awareness efforts.
One-Month-Old Infant and Six-Year-Old Girl Hospitalized After Witchcraft Treatment
In Chandahandi block, a one-month-old infant was subjected to Chenk treatment and later developed severe complications. The baby was first admitted to Umerkote Medical Center and later transferred to the Nabarangpur District Medical due to pneumonia. The infant reportedly received an excessive dose of Chenk, causing their condition to deteriorate.
Similarly, in Raighar block’s Naktisimida village, a six-year-old girl was also subjected to Chenk treatment and later developed severe complications. She was subsequently admitted to the District Medical Hospital for treatment.
Health Officials Alarmed Over Resurgence of Chenk Treatment
Yesterday, the one-month-old baby was shifted to the District Medical Hospital following Chenk treatment, and today, the six-year-old girl from Raighar has also been admitted for the same reason. The Health Department is deeply concerned about the increasing reliance on such traditional treatments in rural areas.
A young girl suffering from stomach pain for several days was initially taken to local hospitals, but when her condition did not improve, her family took her to a shaman for Chenk treatment. It has been revealed that she underwent Chenk treatment 15 days ago, but instead of recovering, her condition worsened. She was eventually admitted to the Nabarangpur District Headquarters Hospital. However, the family has refused to disclose the identity of the person who performed the Chenk treatment.
Currently, the girl’s condition remains critical, and she is under medical supervision. District Chief Medical Officer Dr. Santosh Kumar Panda stated that lack of awareness continues to drive people toward such practices, despite ongoing efforts to educate them about modern healthcare.